Range
The distances at which rangefinders can effectively calculate distances can vary from 100 meters to up to 25 kilometers, and quite possibly much further if the investment warrants it. Generally the super long distance rangefinders are built for military purposes and used by snipers and artillery units.

The typical rangefinder the average person will have the ability to use will range considerably less than what you will get out of the military issue models, but that is okay because the average person will not need near the capabilities. For most people 1000 yards will be more than enough range to get the job done. Most laser rangefinders available to the public these days are rated to range in excess of 1000 yards.

Rifle Rangefinders:
Rangefinders designed specifically for rifle hunting are often of higher magnification than other hunting rangefinders. While many of these rangefinders designed for rifle hunting do a scan mode, many lack an angle compensation feature that is found on a lot of other hunting rangefinders. Some of these models are also of a flatter design and are held horizontally like binoculars, instead of vertically like a monocular. This enables the hunter to hold the unit steady easier for long range targeting.